Ugandan artist Lydia Jazmine, who was voted the Breakthrough Artist of the Year 2015 - 2016 at the Ugandan Music Awards is undoubtedly a star to watch out for. The 24-year old has established herself as the freshest voice on the Ugandan Music scene and on Coke Studio Africa season 3, performed alongside Nigeria’s Kiss Daniel and Bahati from Kenya. She returns to the show this year paired with Mozambican songstress Liloca.

LYRIC BREAKTHROUGH

Her musical break came when she was discovered by Ugandan Duo Radio and Weasel’s producer Bushingtone at one of her acoustic gigs. He then signed her on as the duo’s official back up artist. Lydia provided background vocals for their hit singles Ntunga and Breath Away. She would later sing back up for artists such as Bebe Cool and Sheebah Karungi. As her musical ability developed, she released her debut single You Know featuring Rabadaba under Necta Music. This song bagged her a nomination for Best R &B Song at the Galaxy FM Zina Music Awards. Lydia is set to release her debut album in October 2017.

LEGACY AND COMMUNITY IMPACT

Aside from entertaining, Lydia has lent her voice to the HIV/Aids awareness program Reach a Hand, Uganda. She is a cultural icon for the youth-led non-profit organization focused on youth empowerment programs pertaining to sexual reproductive health and HIV/AIDS awareness.

PERSONAL LIFE

Lydia Jazmine was born in 1991 as Lydia Nabawanuka in Mukono, Uganda. She attended Victoria Nile School and later St Mary’s Namalinga and Cityland College. It is while in High School that she started singing in the school choir and later joined the Passover Harvest Centre and Watoto Church choirs. After high school, Lydia joined a cover band Gertnum, where she polished her talent by singing covers and background vocals. She is a Business Administration and Management graduate from Multitech Business School. She is also a certified Peer Educator.